Chromatin and Epigenetics Certificate Program

Doctoral students interested in being formally part of the Program in Chromatin and Epigenetics can apply for entrance into a certificate program. The goal of this program is to provide students with more emphasis on epigenetic mechanisms and further exposure to approaches and techniques used in epigenetic research.

Accepted students would be on a track to receive a certificate in the program, but would receive their formal doctoral degrees in a related discipline (e.g., Biochemistry & Biophysics, Genetics, Genetics and Molecular Biology Curriculum). Award of the certificate involves completion of several classes, attendance at the Carolina Chromatin Consortium seminars and yearly symposiums with one presentation in one of these two venues.  We also require that each student at least once will attend and present (a poster or platform talk) at an international meeting that has at least one programmatic session on epigenetic mechanisms. Completion of the certificate would coincide with receiving the doctoral degree in the student’s formal doctoral program. Students should have at least two faculty members that are in the Chromatin and Epigenetics program on their thesis committee (one of which can be their mentor).

Interested students should contact Dr. Brian Strahl with a summary of their research project (as it relates to epigenetics) and CV.

CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS

Coursework Requirements

Required core modules (6 credits total)

BIOC 631 Advanced Molecular Biology (4 credit hrs)

BIOC 702: Advanced Topics in Chromatin and Epigenetics (2 credit hrs) (occurs in the fall of alternating years)

And

3 total credit hours from the following (*see note below):

BIOC 706: Biochemistry of Human Disease (2 credit hrs)

GNET 621: Principles of Genetic Analysis (3 credit hrs)

GNET 646: Principles and Experimental Approaches of Mammalian Genetics (1 credit hr)

GNET 749: Practical RNA-Seq (2 credit hrs)

GNET 747: Development of New applications for Next Generation Sequencing (2 credit hrs)

*Other courses that are related to techniques and approaches used in epigenetic research may count towards these hours with approval.

And

BIOC 703:  Seminars in Chromatin and Epigenetics (occurs in the fall and spring at 0.5 credit hours each, 1 credit hr total)

Class description:

The course focuses on ongoing chromatin and epigenetics seminars that occur each month through the Carolina Chromatin Consortium (C3) (Fall and Spring semesters) and the Annual Chromatin & Epigenetics Symposium (Spring semester only). Students will participate in a monthly journal club focusing on a recent primary article from an upcoming C3 or Symposium keynote speaker. Students will then attend the monthly C3 seminars given by different faculty across the UNC-CH campus or from regional universities/ institutes and participate in scientific discussions by asking questions and engaging with the speaker and attendees. Students will meet with speaker(s) following seminars to discuss science and professional development topics. Students will also attend the Annual Chromatin & Epigenetics Symposium, where they will present a poster or give a talk on their work (Spring semester only). Students will receive critical feedback on their presentations to improve their scientific approach and presentation skills.

Additional requirements

– Regular monthly attendance at the Carolina Chromatin Consortium (C3) monthly seminars

– Regular participation in the yearly Chromatin and Epigenetics Symposium

– Present their work at a national or international meeting